Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Demographic:
Active individuals, families, outdoor enthusiasts seeking a capable and reliable all-weather vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, robust engineering, practical utility, and Subaru's reputation for durability.
Powertrain:
Subaru's Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard.
Design:
Higher ground clearance than typical sedans, wagon-like practicality with SUV styling.
Safety:
Emphasis on all-weather traction and stability.
Engine:
Complete engine repair, overhaul, diagnosis, and specifications for all applicable engine variants.
Transmission:
Service and repair for both automatic (4EAT, 5EAT) and manual transmissions (5MT).
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, and axles.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and control arms.
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake systems, ABS, parking brake, hydraulic circuits, and component replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, and tie rods.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors, lighting, charging system, starting system, and accessories.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, and emissions control systems.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim, seats, glass, and doors.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation, sensor data analysis, and fault code diagnosis.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic trees.
Engine Code 1:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC)
Engine Displacement 1:
2498 cc (2.5 Liters)
Engine Configuration 1:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke 1:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.7:1
Horsepower 1:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 1:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Code 2:
EJ25D (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged - Forester GT/STI)
Engine Displacement 2:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
210-220 hp (approx., depending on market/trim)
Torque 2:
200-220 lb-ft (approx., depending on market/trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU:
ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection.
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual (5MT)
Transmission Type Opt:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT), later models may have 5-Speed Automatic (5EAT)
Drivetrain Layout:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on all models)
AWD System:
Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential with driver-selectable low range (on some manual transmissions).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF (or Dexron II/III compatible)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90
Length:
4,405 mm (173.4 in)
Width:
1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height:
1,570 mm (61.8 in) (non-turbo), 1,605 mm (63.2 in) (turbo)
Wheelbase:
2,590 mm (102.0 in)
Ground Clearance:
195 mm (7.7 in)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 0.74 m³ (26.2 cu ft) (with rear seats up)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1.68 m³ (59.4 cu ft) (with rear seats folded)
Curb Weight Min:
1,440 kg (3,175 lbs)
Curb Weight Max:
1,580 kg (3,483 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1,990 kg (4,387 lbs)
Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel wheels
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
★★★★ (4-star rating)
NHTSA Side Impact Test:
★★★★ (4-star rating)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available on some models/trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; available side airbags on later models/trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Check owner's manual for severe driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (if equipped).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs, 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for platinum/copper plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Crucial for EJ25 engines to prevent catastrophic failure.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with long-life additives), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
Head Gaskets:
The EJ25SOHC (EJ253) engines are prone to head gasket failure, particularly at higher mileage. Look for coolant leaks, white smoke, or oil in coolant.
Timing Belt:
Crucial to adhere to the timing belt replacement interval to prevent severe engine damage from belt breakage.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals can leak with age.
Automatic Transmission:
Some 4EAT transmissions can develop issues with solenoids or the valve body. Regular fluid changes are important.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can wear out, especially with off-road use or if hit by potholes.
Subaru Specialty:
Subaru's reputation for building durable, reliable vehicles with a focus on all-wheel-drive technology and boxer engines.
Forester Introduction:
The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, blending the utility of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a car.
Sf Generation:
The 1999-2002 models represent the latter half of the first generation (SF chassis), which received a significant facelift and powertrain updates for the 2001 model year.
Facelift 2001:
Updated exterior styling (headlights, grille, bumpers, hood), revised interior, and optional introduction of the 5-speed automatic transmission.
Manufacturing Plant:
Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Production Years:
1997-2002 (First Generation)